Red flour
beetle (T. castaneum) is a major pest of stored
grains and is known for its
adaptability to all classes of insecticides. The present study was
carried out to determine the insecticidal potential of egg white proteins to
manage beetle population. Protein samples obtained through salt fractionation
were lyophilized and were used separately and simultaneously in different
concentrations by adding them to wheat flour and milk powder. The results
indicated that the mortality rate of the adult beetles was dependent on the
type of treatment, concentration of protein samples and duration of feeding. In
multiple-choice feeding trials beetles showed their movement towards the
control section as the concentration of treatment increases. Marked
abnormalities were observed in appearance and dimensions of the testes which
indicated that the egg white proteins caused considerable effect on the process
of spermatogenesis and sperm functions. SEM study revealed the formation of
deep wrinkles and folds on the testicular surface of the testes of beetles fed
on treated diets, points towards the depletion of internal cellular material.
The results suggest that egg white protein affects the survival and cause
subsequent derangements in the testis of red flour beetle.

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